English Compared with Scotch. 
327 
properties being imparted to or grafted on the former English ideal. This was to develop and 
exaggerate the tail at the expense of everything else, whence the English birds came to possess very 
little carriage, the head being carried higher than the breast, near the top of the tail when erect 
and with very little motion. On the other hand the tail was developed both in size and position, 
the upright and spread character being carried to the extent of having it lie like the lid of a sauce- 
pan, nearly flat over the back. We say this was so formerly* but now it is conceded that such a 
tail is no aesthetic or even fancy beauty, and we not unfrequently see birds with all that can be 
desired in point of tail only, but still with little carriage or motion. Without doubt there is a little 
to be said on both sides, though on the whole we consider the Scotch Fan, as seen at its best, to be 
far the highest class of pigeon, having so many more pleasing properties, with all the tail, too, that 
its size will carry. The whole question is, however, very well argued, in terms with which we have 
little exception to take, by that well-known Fantail fancier, the Rev. W. Serjeantson. We believe 
we are not wrong in stating that this gentleman began as an English fancier, since which he learnt 
to appreciate the Scotch model ; his present opinions he shall state for himself. 
“ The feud between English and Scotch breeders of the Fantail is of long standing, and judging 
from present appearances, ‘the battle of the styles’ seems as little likely to come to an end as 
ever, neither side being willing to abate one jot of their prejudices. I think, however, that if each 
side were requested to write down their ideas of what a perfect Fantail should be, their theories 
would not be found so very dissimilar. But in practice, the perfect bird not being, at all events as 
yet, attainable, each party is content to keep on working on its own lines ; the Englishman being 
satisfied with moderate carriage if he can get a perfect tail, and the Scotchman with a moderate 
tail if he can get perfection of carriage. Consequently, the attempt to combine the beauties of 
both breeds is not made nearly so often, or so perseveringly, as it deserves to be. One reason for 
this doubtless lies in the fact that the attempt in the first instance is too often a failure. The 
Englishman finds that his birds are losing the fine large flat tail on which he has prided himself ; 
the Scotchman sees his birds growing, as he considers, large and coarse, and so both throw up the 
game at once ; whereas if either had gone on patiently and systematically for several generations, 
without expecting too much all at once, no doubt the result would have been more satisfactory. 
“ Speaking for myself, I am thankful to be able to say, like the independent elector, that I am 
no party man. I can see much to admire in both breeds. I have both pure in my loft, and also 
the results of several attempts to amalgamate the two, and with the latter, so far, I am not altogether 
dissatisfied. And here may I venture most deferentially to express my opinion that judges are 
partly answerable for the present state of things. What I mean is this. I have often seen the 
prizes awarded in this sort of way : — First prize, say, to a big English bird with large tail but little 
style ; second, to a small Scotch bird with amazing style but no tail to speak of ; and third, again, 
to one similar to the recipient of the first prize. Now, surely this wavering between two opinions 
cannot be fight. I think if judges would let it be seen by their decisions that they will not 
countenance large tails without style, nor yet great style with no tail, exhibitors would soon find 
jt to their interest to get the coach out of the ojd ruts in which it has been so long labouring. 
“ Let me, however, get to my business, and give the description of such a Fantail as we in 
England strive to produce. First, as to size — it should undoubtedly be small. Large Fantails are 
nearly always wanting in style and carriage; though, at the same time, if you want the largest 
possible tail you mijst not expect to find it on a small bird, and therefore large birds with very 
* We have, years ago, seen such birds repeatedly given prizes by Mr. Harrison Weir, and others who then judged pigeon 
shows. The fashion has now changed. — E d. 
